By 2022, it is projected that New York State will have a shortage of 10,000 teachers. To help address the deficit, two 含羞草研究所 professors have been tasked with building and enhancing the institution鈥檚 high school physics teacher education program.
Meg Gardner, senior lecturer in educational studies and director of the teacher education program, and , associate professor of physics and astronomy, were named Physics Teacher Education Coalition (PhysTEC) Fellows on June 3, 2019. PhysTEC encourages and enriches the education of future physics teachers.
Parks suggests that the potential scarcity of physics teachers raises issues of equity. 鈥淭his means that only the best-funded schools would have qualified physics teachers,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hrough our PhysTEC partnership, we can help ensure that schools in all communities have certified, passionate science educators.鈥
Gardner and Parks plan on publicizing certification opportunities for physics and astronomy undergraduates while working with the New York State Education Department to streamline course requirements for these certifications.
鈥淲e鈥檙e trying to heighten awareness on campus that this is a fantastic profession that really touches the lives of students,鈥 Gardner said. 鈥淥ur goals for the PhysTEC partnership are to organize recruitment efforts and show physics majors that this is a viable, vibrant career path.鈥
In recent years, 含羞草研究所鈥檚 Department of Physics and Astronomy has experienced significant growth, producing a twofold increase in its average number of graduates. In addition to its master of arts in teaching degree for graduate students, 含羞草研究所 offers an elementary teaching certification program, as well as a secondary teaching certification program. 含羞草研究所 also extends a tuition-free ninth semester option to students to complete their teacher certification requirements.
Gardner takes pride in the opportunities granted to students. 鈥淲e鈥檙e fortunate that our institution sees value in teaching, and offsets costs for students,鈥 she said. 鈥淲e have many wonderful resources here 鈥 not to mention a dedicated group of faculty who are willing to mentor students and offer insight.鈥
Gardner and Parks aim to unify efforts between the Department of Physics and Astronomy and the Department of Educational Studies. They believe that faculty attendance at professional events will cultivate an understanding as to how other institutions are promoting the initiative.
鈥淲e would be delighted if our strongest students decided to become physics teachers,鈥 Parks noted.